Introduction
Miracles (🕌 ḵhāriqu ʾl-ʿādat, خارق العادة) play a fascinating role within Islamic tradition, embodying supernatural interventions that defy natural laws. Such wonders are actions that go against the ordinary course of events, indicating divine intervention. These extraordinary occurrences have their unique terminologies in Islamic theology, each illustrating different contexts and implications.
Etymology and Background
The term ḵhāriqu ʾl-ʿādat literally translates to “things contrary to custom.” Miracles serve as signs of divine power and intervention, proof of prophetic truth, and demonstrations of the holiness of saints.
In Islamic tradition, miracles can be split into two categories: those performed by prophets (muʿjizāt, معجزات) and those by saints (karāmāt, كرامات).
Terms Used for Miracles in Islamic Theology
1. Āyah (آية)
Definition: “A sign”; the only word used in the Qurʾān for a miracle.
Usage in Qur’ān:
- Sūrah 13:27: “And they who believe not say, Why is not a sign (āyah) sent down to him from his Lord?”
Etymology: Arabic root meaning ‘mark’ or ‘sign’.
Synonyms: None specifically.
Reference: Qur’an 13: 27-30; Qur’an 54: 1-2.
2. Muʿjiza (معجزة)
Definition: Acts that render adversaries weak and feeble; specifically for miracles performed by prophets.
Etymology: From the root word meaning “to make weak.”
Notable Example: The splitting of the moon.
Antonyms: Natural phenomena.
Reference: Traditional Islamic narratives and Hadith collections like Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī.
3. Irhāṣ (إرهاص)
Definition: Miracles performed before the prophet’s assumption of prophetic office.
Etymology: From the Arabic root for “laying a foundation.”
Notable Example: Narrations of signs before Prophet Muhammad’s official prophethood.
4. ʿAlāmah (علامة)
Definition: “A sign”; used for the signs of the coming Resurrection.
Etymology: From the Arabic root for “mark” or “sign.”
Related Concepts: Eschatological signs.
5. Karāmah (كرامة)
Definition: Beneficence; wonders wrought by saints for public good or proof of saintship.
Etymology: From Arabic for “dignity” or “honor.”
Cultural Similarities: Similar to Christian ideas of saintly miracles.
6. Maʿūnah (معونة)
Definition: Assistance; sometimes used for wonders by saints.
Etymology: From Arabic root meaning “help” or “aid.”
Antonyms: Natural aid without supernatural intervention.
7. Istidrāj (استدراج)
Definition: Gradual advancement; miracles by the Devil’s assistance, permitted by God.
Etymology: Gradual promotion or advancement.
Moral Implication: Warning against deceptive wonders.
8. Ihānah (إهانة)
Definition: Contempt; negative miracles wrought by the Devil.
Etymology: From Arabic for “disdain” or “contempt.”
Culminations of Miracles in Islam
Despite Prophet Muhammad not claiming the power to perform miracles to prove apostleship, there remain significant narrations and events referred to as miracles, conditions favoring their occurrence, reflecting the prophetic mission, or divine signs. One notable example is the splitting of the moon (Qur’an 54:1-2).
Quizes 🧩
Further Readings
- “The Miracles of The Prophet” by Adil Salahi
- “Islam and the Destiny of Man” by Charles Le Gai Eaton
Quotations
“The Quran itself, its composition, and its linguistic beauty, are unmatched miracles that continue to inspire and guide millions across centuries.” — Imam Al-Ghazali
Conclusion
Through this lexicon of terms and insights, we unveil the rich fabric woven into the perception and articulation of miracles in Islam, offering an avenue for deeper understanding and contemplation.
Inspiration Thought: “Every miracle is an embrace of the divine, a testament to faith’s power to transcend the ordinary and touch upon the sublime.”
Author: Rafiq Al-Hassan
Date: 2023-10-03\
